Q: How do I contact Act One?
A: Act One can be reached via email at information@actoneprogram.com. Or you can use our Calendly link to schedule a call or Zoom. We are more than happy to schedule phone calls to go into more details about our various programs and services. Go to our Contact Us page for more info.
Q: What is the application fee?
A: $50
Q: Do I need to have an undergraduate degree in producing and/or film and television?
A: No. Act One does not require applicants to have an undergraduate or postgraduate degree of any kind. We are looking for passionate filmmakers committed to following Christ in their words and deeds. We will consider applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.
Q: What kind of applicants are you looking for?
A: We are looking for applicants who are committed to their Christian faith and who are interested in becoming film and television producers of any kind as well as creative executives, entertainment lawyers, etc. Often our strongest candidates are those with experience in production or some other aspect in the industry, but this is not a requirement. Other typical applicants include those with advanced degrees and those who have worked in finance, marketing or advertising. Ultimately, Act One wants to invest in passionate, committed, resilient individuals who want a career in film and television regardless of their educational background.
Q: How soon will I hear back from you?
A: We accept applications on a rolling basis. Once your application is received, we will notify you of your status within 30 days. The sooner you apply, the sooner you’ll hear back on whether you’ve been accepted and the sooner you can begin to prepare for the program.
Q: Is the entire program offered online?
A: Yes. With the exception of one week at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, the entire program is offered fully online. Classes are synchronous meaning there is a scheduled day and time for a real-time, live class session on Zoom. On occasion, classes are offered asynchronous allowing students to watch a pre-recorded class. All course material will be delivered on a learning management system which the student is given access to upon acceptance into the program.
Q: How old are most Act One students?
A: Act One students are typically between 21 and 45. At minimum, applicants must have completed their junior year of college.
Q: What kind of professional recommendation are you looking for?
A: We prefer professional letters of recommendation from people of influence or high standing who know you well and can speak to your character as an employee or leader.
Q: Why do you need my resume/future plans/etc.?
A: Act One’s primary focus is training students who are seeking careers in the mainstream entertainment industry and/or the production of independent films targeted at mainstream audiences. Because classes are limited in size, knowing your career journey and future plans helps us to choose applicants who will most benefit from our focus. (Please note that Act One does not discriminate based on Christian denomination, gender, race/ethnicity, marital status, age, or disability.)
Q: Does Act One provide financial aid or scholarships?
A: Act One does not offer traditional financial aid.
Q: When is tuition due?
A: A 50% deposit is required upon acceptance into the program to hold your spot. The remaining balance is due two weeks after class begins.
Q: Does Act One sponsor a U.S. Student Visa?
A: No. Act One does not offer a sponsored F-1 or J-1 visa because we are a non-profit 501c3 ministry and not an accredited, educational program.
Q: What can I expect to accomplish in the Producing and Entertainment Executive Program?
A: Our program is designed to offer a comprehensive overview of everything a Hollywood producer or executive needs to know to fast-track their career. The program is also coupled with the opportunity to participate in an industry internship – often at a production company, network or studio. Internships are tailored to your goals and most companies who know Act One’s reputation offer larger projects and more hands-on experience than the typical college internship.
Q: How much producing or executive experience do Act One students typically have?
A: Our students range from beginners with no experience to working professionals. According to the surveys we conduct at the completion of each program, students of all experience levels find the program challenging and valuable.
Q: What is the structure/schedule for the Program?
A: Classes and workshops are held every Saturday from 10AM to 1PM Pacific Time, and every Tuesday night from 5:30PM to 7PM Pacific Time. The Fall program is offered September through January. There’s also the occasional special event during the week in the evenings. But the program is designed for working people, whether that be an internship, part-time or full-time position. Students can work up to 40 hours a week and still participate in the Act One Program.
Q: Is there a Capstone Project or Thesis that is required to complete the program?
A: Yes, there are two final projects. Students will be required to produce a feature film “on paper” over the course of the 16-week course. At the end of the program, they must complete a pitch deck and present it to a panel of faculty and industry professionals.
Q: How much homework is assigned during the Producing Program?
A: All students are assigned extensive reading and viewing assignments during the program. Anticipate devoting approximately 3-5 hours per week outside of class time to homework assignments.
Q: Do I need to live in Los Angeles to go through the Producing Program?
A: No. Our producing program is available to attend either in-person or online from anywhere in the world. In-person students do receive the extra benefits of being in town for extra weekday meetings at studios with executives around town.
Q: Does Act One help students find housing?
A: No. Students are responsible for their own housing. Act One does not officially facilitate or find housing for students. That said, we often hear about available housing, and pass along that info to students. We also have an alumni Facebook page, where alums often post housing notices. Church classifieds and other students are usually your best bet for finding housing.
Q: Do students in the Producing and Entertainment Executive Program attend the Sundance Film Festival in Utah?
A: Yes. As part of the 16-week program, students will attend the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. This is not an optional experience, but rather an essential culmination of the program.
Q: Is there an additional cost to attend the Sundance Film Festival?
A: The only additional costs to attend the Festival not included in your tuition fee are airfare and food. Housing for the week, tickets to screenings, travel to/from the Salt Lake City airport and Park City are covered in your tuition fee. You must also pay for your own meals although snacks will be provided in the house where we will be staying.
Q: What are the accommodations provided for at the Sundance Film Festival?
A: As part of the Act One program, students will be housed together in a large home with multiple bedrooms for the week. We will assign no more than two classmates per room/bath. Students will have access to the kitchen and other accommodations provided at the house throughout the week. The house will be stocked with snacks and beverages to share. Act One will also provide transportation to/from the house and the various locations for the festival.
Q: What is the schedule for the week of the Sundance Film Festival?
A: You will be asked to book your arrival flight on Sunday and departure on Friday. Specific times and info will be given during the program. Students will participate in morning conversations with filmmakers Monday through Friday. After the morning sessions, you will be given tickets to attend screenings throughout the remainder of each day. Each day will be filled with fantastic opportunities to connect with other passionate filmmakers.
Q: What types of jobs or work will this program help me attain?
A: As a graduate of the Act One Producing and Entertainment Executive Program, you gain access to a diverse array of compelling and fulfilling opportunities within the media and entertainment sectors, tailored to your professional aspirations. Here are several roles and pathways available upon completion of our program:
1. Television and Film Producer: Directly entering the film and video industry, you can pursue roles as a producer or production manager. Producers oversee all facets of a production, including development, budget management, casting, production coordination, and distribution.
2. Independent Filmmaker: Utilizing your producing expertise, you can embark on independent filmmaking ventures, retaining creative autonomy over projects spanning documentary films, motion pictures, television programs, or independent feature films. This may involve overseeing production and marketing independently.
3. Development Executive: Engaging in the identification and cultivation of new project concepts, development executives evaluate scripts, screenplays, or initial ideas, determine their viability, and contribute to transforming them into marketable productions.
4. Entertainment Executive: Pursuing leadership roles within entertainment firms or media establishments, such as studio or network executives, allows you to influence project funding decisions and guide creative endeavors to fruition.
5. Executive Producer: Assuming the role of the lead producer, an executive producer secures financial backing for film or television projects, oversees fellow producers, and ensures timely, budget-conscious, and creatively aligned project completion. They primarily engage with the financial and strategic aspects of productions, rather than day-to-day operations.
6. Production Manager: Specializing in logistical and operational aspects of film and television production, production managers oversee the business side of producing. They manage project budgets, schedules, and ensure seamless operations on set.
7. Casting Director: Responsible for selecting actors for various roles, casting directors collaborate closely with producers and directors to identify suitable talent for each character.
8. Distribution and Marketing: Leveraging industry insights, professionals in distribution and marketing ensure effective audience engagement for films and television shows. This involves crafting marketing strategies, negotiating distribution agreements, and overseeing promotional efforts.
Obviously this is not an exhaustive list and Act One cannot guarantee all our graduates will find success working in the entertainment industry. However, many of our alums have gone on to have long-term careers in varied and diverse opportunities such as the ones listed above.
Q: If I elect to do an Internship during the Producing Program, what will be expected of me?
A: We expect our students to intern a minimum of 2 days/wk for 10 weeks at their internship. Interning one day a week is possible, but not recommended. Some students elect to intern 3-5 days/wk, but that makes for a very challenging schedule. Interning 2 days/wk is ideal because it leaves room for students to have part-time jobs, work on their own projects, attend classes and special events, complete homework, and take full advantage of the Act One alumni network. All internships are unpaid.
Q: How is my Internship placement determined?
A: After a student is accepted, he/she has an in-depth internship consultation with the Producing & Entertainment Executive Program Director. In that meeting, the student has the opportunity to further express his/her goals for the Internship, articulate interest in specific companies or areas of the industry, and hear about the companies connected to the Act One community. Three top companies are identified, and the director works to set up interviews. We work hard to secure one of the top three choices for you, but all internships are subject to seasonal availability, so sometimes students are placed in their fourth or fifth internship choice.
Q: Will my Internship provider hire me at the end of the summer?
A: This does happen on occasion, but it typically takes 2-3 internship experiences to be considered for an entry-level position in the entertainment industry. Usually it is a company connected to your internship provider that affords you your first paid opportunity, or second internship, or temp position. Six months from the start of the program is a good estimate to find paid work directly related to the entertainment industry. Getting established in Hollywood takes some time, so be conservative in your financial planning as you prepare to transition.
Q: What is the Spiritual Retreat?
A: The opening weekend of our program is an in-person spiritual retreat at a retreat center in the mountains. This is a very important part of our program and every student is REQUIRED to attend the retreat in person.
Q: How much does the Spiritual Retreat cost?
A: There is no additional cost for the Spiritual Retreat. The camp fees are included in the Act One Course Fee. The only additional costs for students would be for traveling to Los Angeles for the retreat.